Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay in Vista, CA: $84.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a air traffic controller working in Vista, CA runs $84.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $176,158 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 53-2021). Weighted against Vista's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $74.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $105,696 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Vista, California, air traffic controller hourly pay is projected to be $84.69 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national median of $73.02. This elevated hourly rate shows itself as a strong incentive for both part-time and per-diem workers in various settings, including en route centers and airport traffic control towers. For instance, a part-time controller working three days a week could expect a comfortable income, making this an appealing option for individuals seeking work-life balance alongside their professional commitments. The range of hourly wages for air traffic controllers in Vista varies widely, from $49.12 for entry-level positions (P10) to $125.02 for top earners (P90), reflecting the competitive nature of this sector and the specialized skills required for success. These estimates are derived from annual salary data adjusted for hourly work, taking into account the unique demands placed on air traffic controllers.
About the Vista Market
Salary estimated from California average ($180,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49.12 | $392.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.98 | $487.82 |
| Median (P50) | $84.69 | $677.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108.41 | $867.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125.02 | $1000.18 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Vista
Based on $84.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $84.69/hr, a air traffic controller working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Vista, CA can expect to earn approximately $176,159 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $101,630. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Vista.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Vista
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,387.68 | $14,680 | $176,159 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,032.61 | $8,808 | $105,696 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,355.07 | $5,872 | $70,464 |
Compare ATC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Air Traffic Controller (Vista) | $84.69 |
| Airline Pilot / Copilot (National Avg) | $107.68 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
| Avionics Technician (National Avg) | $34.67 |
| Flight Attendant (National Avg) | $33.75 |
Air Traffic Controllers in Vista, CA earn a median of $176,158 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.98% higher than the national median of $151,886 and 2.50% above the California state average of $171,861.
Air Traffic Controller Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $84.69/hr = $105,696/year (purchasing power: $93,453).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $176,159/year (purchasing power: $155,755).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$68.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$82.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$84.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Air Traffic Controllers in Vista (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.57% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $68.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $72.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $72.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $73.74/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $76.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $100.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $82.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $84.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $86.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Vista grew 20.4% from $68.58/hr (2019) to $82.57/hr (2025). At a 2.57% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $86.87/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem air traffic controllers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vista metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.57% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Air Traffic Controller in Vista
Part-time air traffic controllers in Vista, working a 24-hour week, could take home an annual income that directly competes with full-timers, although their schedules may provide them with more flexibility. Many air traffic controllers also have opportunities for per-diem work, where they can negotiate their daily pay based on facility transfer training needs. Overtime is a significant factor that can dramatically influence earnings, with controllers at understaffed facilities often covering 50-60 hours per week, potentially earning an additional $50,000 to $100,000 annually in extra pay. Hourly rates can shift depending on the type of employer in Vista; the FAA offers structured pay scales in contrasting environments such as en route centers, TRACONs, and airport control towers, which leads to varied compensation. For those considering positions, trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits and lower rates that include health insurance policies are crucial. Effective negotiation strategies, including understanding the dynamics of local facilities, can help new air traffic controllers secure competitive hourly pay rates.
More salary data for Vista, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for air traffic controllers in Vista in 2026?
How much do part-time air traffic controllers make in Vista?
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Written by Jordan Lee, ATO
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience as an air traffic controller. He specializes in terminal area control at a major airport.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.57% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for air traffic controllers in Vista. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Vista is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.57%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for air traffic controllers (SOC 53-2021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, ATO, a licensed air traffic controller with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov